Box Spring Recycling in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Box springs are taken free with mattresses at the STR Transfer Station May 1–October 30 (limit 4 items a day).
See all 4 optionsChecked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check
Before you go
- Don’t assume a box spring is priced like a mattress; ask separately.
- Tell the operator if it’s a split (two-piece) box spring; some charge per piece.
- Check for moisture, mold or bed bugs before you go.
California rules
- Retailers must collect the recycling fee on all mattress and box spring purchases. Source: Bye Bye Mattress: California Retailer Pick Up FAQ (opens in new tab)
- DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab)
More California rules (5)
- It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
- CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Source: CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Where this information comes from (18)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services: Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services
- STR runs a household hazardous waste program at the transfer station covering paint and other HHW; residents can drop off up to 15 gallons at no cost. Checked October 26, 2026.
- South Tahoe Refuse: Residential Service Guide 2026 (PDF) (opens in new tab) · South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services
- Mattresses and box springs can be dropped off free May 1–October 30 at the STR Transfer Station, up to 4 items per day. Checked October 26, 2026.
- El Dorado Disposal: El Dorado Transfer Station & Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) – rates (opens in new tab) · El Dorado Disposal
- Clean/gently used mattresses and box springs are free; non-recyclable ones cost $23.34 each. Checked October 26, 2026.
- El Dorado Disposal: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · El Dorado Disposal
- El Dorado County residents may bring up to 15 gallons (5-gallon or smaller containers) or 125 lb per trip. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
- CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Bye Bye Mattress: Mattress Disposal in California (opens in new tab) · Mattress Recycling Council
- Bye Bye Mattress lets you drop off an old mattress at no additional cost at participating locations. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Before going, check acceptable items and contact the location with questions. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Businesses can drop off units at no cost at participating locations, but unit limits may apply and an appointment may be required. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Businesses with at least 100 mattresses can arrange a pickup through the Commercial Volume Program. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Bye Bye Mattress: What's Accepted/Unaccepted in California (opens in new tab) · Mattress Recycling Council
- Mattresses and foundations (box springs) used and discarded by California consumers, individuals or businesses, qualify for no-cost drop-off in any condition and of any age. Checked October 26, 2026.
- A box spring, also called a foundation, is the fabric-covered base that supports the mattress. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Out-of-state mattresses and foundations (not from a California consumer or not used in California) are excluded. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Bye Bye Mattress: California Retailer Pick Up FAQ (opens in new tab) · Mattress Recycling Council
- Retailers must collect the recycling fee on all mattress and box spring purchases. Checked October 26, 2026.
“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.
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